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Beer · Light Lager

Modelo Oro

Name: Modelo Oro
Brand: Grupo Modelo (Constellation Brands, US import)

The gold standard of light beer — 90 calories, exceptionally smooth and crisp

🍯 Sweet & Honeyed

Grupo Modelo (Constellation Brands, US import)

Distillery

Mexico

Country

4.00%

ABV

6.9/10

Rating

★★★★★

6.9/10

Mexico City, Mexico Est. 1925 4.00% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Pale gold with a light white head

Nose & Aroma

Clean grain, a faint honeyed malt note and very light hops

Palate & Taste

Light-bodied and exceptionally smooth with a subtle golden malt character and a crisp, clean finish. More refined than most light lagers, though it loses some of the honey-biscuit middle that makes Especial special

Finish

Short, crisp and clean. Very sessionable

History & Background

Modelo Oro is the newest core member of the family, launched in 2023 as Modelo's premium light beer. Positioned as the 'Gold Standard of Light Beer,' it targets the huge and crowded US light-lager segment with a smooth, elevated take on the style at just 90 calories. It is Modelo's answer to the calorie-conscious drinker who still wants the Modelo name on the table.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

Brewed from water, barley malt, non-malted cereals and hops, engineered for smoothness and a low calorie count while retaining a golden malt character.

Aging & Maturation

Cold lagered. No barrel ageing.

Distillery

Grupo Modelo (Constellation Brands, US import)

Founded

1925

Modelo Oro Price Guide 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock. Last verified: July 2026.

United States Prices

New York $12.64

California $12.31

Illinois $11.87

Florida $11.32

Texas $10.99

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Modelo Oro?

Modelo Oro has 90 calories and 3 grams of carbs per 12oz serving, at 4.0% ABV. That makes it one of the lighter options among mainstream imports and Modelo's direct answer to light lagers like Michelob Ultra and Corona Premier. It is the calorie-conscious choice within the Modelo family.

Modelo Oro vs Modelo Especial — is Oro worth it?

Buy Oro when the goal is roughly 90 calories and you still want the Modelo name; buy Especial when flavour is the priority. Oro is smooth and crisp but noticeably lighter, losing some of the honey-and-biscuit malt middle that gives Especial its character. Many drinkers find they would rather have Especial and simply drink it a little slower.

Is Modelo Oro a new beer?

Yes. Modelo Oro launched in 2023, making it the newest permanent addition to the core Modelo lineup alongside Especial and Negra. It was created specifically to compete in the fast-growing US premium light-lager category.

What is the price of Modelo Oro?

Modelo Oro is priced in line with Modelo Especial — roughly $17.99 for a 12-pack and $10.99 for a 6-pack in Texas, with higher prices in California, New York and Illinois. As a newer product, availability and promotions vary more by market than the long-established Especial.

Similar to Modelo Oro

modelo-especial,modelo-negra,modelo-chelada-especial

About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

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Last updated: July 2026